Re: 1936 120 Synchromesh Question

Posted by PackardV8 On 2010/6/30 8:43:05

It's not clear to me what the problem is. FULLY synchroed 3 speeds did not appear in the US prior to 1965'ish. I have driven, as well as many countless thousands of of others have driven, cars with anemic 6 cylinder engines coupled to 3 speed transmissons thru out Pen, eastern ohio, tennessee with no problems at all. UNless a heavy railor is pulled or somekind of extreme weight added to the vehicle otherwise.

Your powerful streight 8 Packard should have pletny of power to pull even in the most difficult situations in 2nd gear unless at a complete stop. I did it many times with a 225 slant six which has nearly no power at all.


If u do a trans conversion be sure to get one with an OVERDRIVE. Watch low gear ratio on the transplant tranmission is not too long. Unless u are using a Toyaota TRUCK trans i would avoid a passenger car trans from any 4 cylinder for a swap. Too weak.

My driveability problems with vintage tin has never been with any conditions under 50 mph whatsoever. My problems have always been at speeds above 60 mph. That's why i recommend an overdrive.

If u never drive over 50 mph then just learn to drive the standard Packard 3 speed trans that u already have.

In fact, i'm not sure whay ANY passenger car with 6 cylinders or more would ever need a synchroed low gear.


CHECK your rear axle ratio. What is it???? Maybe the ratio is too long. Perhaps changed at one time or another.